Budget session: Murmu seeks unity on national interest issues as Oppn protests MGNREGA repeal

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday asked MPs to stand united on issues of “national interest” like ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘Atma Nirbharta, and ‘swadeshi’ among others to infuse new energy into India's progress, even as Opposition lawmakers shouted slogans as she mentioned VB-G RAM G Act, while demanding the restoration of MGNREGA.

In her nearly one-hour customary address to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at the start of the Budget Session, she also said India remains the “fastest growing major economy” despite “various global crises” and moving forward on the path of “Reforms Express” while playing the “role of a bridge in the world” amid “complex global circumstances”.

She highlighted the government’s achievements in various sectors like social justice, agriculture, infrastructure, education and industry even as she hailed ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistani terror infrastructure, saying a “strong message” was sent that any terror strike will receive a “firm and decisive response”. She also hailed decisive action against Maoists.

Her speech also had references to the pet themes of the ruling BJP, including “the thousand years journey since the attacks on the Somnath Temple”, the Modi government showing “courage to strike a blow” on “Macaulay’s conspiracies” to instill a “sense of inferiority” during British rule and losing ancient manuscripts to “foreign invasions” and “neglect” post-independence.

The nearly 6,000 word speech was also rich in references to icons from poll-bound states, including Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (West Bengal), Sree Narayana Guru (Kerala), Bhupen Hazarika (Assam), Rajendra Chola and Thiruvalluvar (Tamil Nadu) as well as mentions about development projects taken up in these states.

The president also cautioned about the dangers arising due to misuse of AI, while insisting that it is imperative to be serious on this issue. Deep Fake, misinformation, and fake content are becoming significant threats to democracy, social harmony, and public trust and it is essential that all of you deliberate on this grave issue, she said.

At the start of the speech, Opposition MPs, including Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, were on their feet demanding restoration of MGNREGA. The MPs with posters in their hands also shouted slogans when Murmu referred to VB-G RAM G Act, saying it would provide “new momentum” to rural development and create “new facilities” for the farmers, livestock farmers and fishermen.

While the protest was for only for a brief period, Murmu went on to tell the MPs that national heroes like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, BR Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Jaiprakash Narayan, Rammohan Lohia, Deendayal Upadhyay and AB Vajpayee have shared the belief that differences of opinion on issues are natural democracy but there are certain subjects which are beyond all differences.

“The resolve of Viksit Bharat, the security of India, Atmanirbharata, the campaign for Swadeshi, efforts toward national unity, Swachhata, and on all such matters concerning the nation, the Parliamentarians must stand united. This precisely is the spirit of our Constitution,” she said adding, the goal of Viksit Bharat is not limited to any one government or one generation.

On Operation Sindoor, she said India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and wisdom and the world has seen the valour and courage of Indian armed forces through it.

"Our nation, on the strength of our own resources, destroyed terror camps. My government sent a message that any act of terror will be responded to with resolute and decisive action," she said, adding the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty was part of India's fight against terror besides working on Mission Sudarshan Chakra to further strengthen national security.

Outlining the government commitment to social justice, she said work is being done to further empower the poor, and social security benefits are available to nearly 95 crore citizens now, which was 25 crore ten years ago.

Emphasising that the government has been successful in tackling corruption and scams, she said every single rupee of the taxpayers is now being spent on the development and welfare of the country.